Rare Pair of Ancient Alaskan Bering Sea Eskimo Carved Caribou Antler Snow Goggles ‘I Gauk’

Period: 100-600

Origin: Alaska

Medium: Caribou Antler

Literature: The Eskimo are the most far-flung single tribe of peoples in the world, stretched out over 4000 miles mostly along the northern fringes of the American and Russian continent. Their 3000 year old culture is unique, and is not shared with any other sub-polar peoples, such as the Lapps. Their nomadic way of life gave them a remarkable tenacity of culture over vast distances.
Snow blindness is a debilitating and painful condition and is an occupational hazard for Arctic hunters. The retina of the eye becomes burned by excessive ultraviolet radiation reflected from the snow covered landscapes. By wearing goggles the amount of light entering the eye is cut down.